DAVIS, Okla. (KXII) - On Saturday hundreds gathered at the Crossbar Ranch in Turner Falls to walk, run and remember the 22 veterans who lose their lives to suicide every day.
Beyond brotherhood president Andy Pannell is not only a veteran, he’s a frequent marathon runner.
Pannell said that this run is as difficult as any race he’s been a part of.
“What’s difficult about this run is that its through the mountains,” Pannell said. “Its a lot of rough terrain, they have to sign wavers to come out and do it its nothing simple.”
The event features three different runs: a 2.2 mile, a 22 Kilometer, and a 22 mile.
Davis fire fighter Isaiah Hodges has participated in the event before and is well aware of how grueling all these runs an be.
“Typically the last two years the first 11 miles are pretty brutal,” Hodges said. “Up and down, rocky as all get out, by then your body is spent.”
Hodges said that the terrain is what makes the run difficult, but the symbolism behind the distance serves as a reminder of why he’s doing it and helps him push through.
“A lot of us take for granted, number one what the military does for us, the men and women that are serving,” Hodges said. “But then to know that a lot of them come back and struggle like they do.”
The event charged a $22 participation fee with all proceeds going to help local veterans.
“We want them to know that Beyond Brotherhood is there for them for any needs that they have,” Pannell said. “All the proceeds go to Beyond Brotherhood and and what we do with the money is we help veterans throughout southern Oklahoma.”
For information on upcoming events or how you can help local veterans visit the Beyond Brotherhood Facebook page.
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